Hello. I have a couple of questions. I have had a claim in for increase since last May 2008. I have called the 1-800 number and found out the rater is making a decision as of 4-21-09. I was told that after that it will go to authorization. Is this good or not? My claim has been ready to rate since 3-5-09. My other question is I asked for an earlier effective date for my ptsd. I was first rated in January of 2006. First at 30 then 50 and now 70. I had a VA doctor examine me for my chronic fatigue in November of 08 and she said my ptsd was more likely than not a result of my chronic fatigue. For almost 15 years i have had an undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic fatigue. She was the first doc to link my ptsd to my fatigue. Will this help with an earlier effective date for ptsd. My last question is I was rated at 70% for ptsd in Aug of 2006. I did not claim TDIU but want to know if the VA will automaticly go back to 06 for tdiu. I did not know I could do that. At any rate, thanks.

It is good if the decision is in your favor. Effective dates are the first day of the month following receipt of the claim by the VA, or after the receipt date when the medical evidence supports a later date. Your PTSD will be determined based on the rating rules for PTSD which includes a confirmed stressor. The rating specialist will review your doctors opinon and rate your case based on the manual. IU will be the first day of the month following receipt of the claim by the VA.

I will cast no stones. Proud member of the RD-DV! Military.com is the original home of the Derelict Veterans Group, RD-DV, established December 31, 2008

Thanks Dave. In addition, last June i was terminated from a veterans service organization and they stated the reason was because of my ptsd. I did manage to get their statement on record in front of an administrative law judge. It was unfortunate, I sent in this info to the VA as evidence as well. I currently have legal representation with regards to my termination. I also am curious if you can get separate ratings for bipolar and major depressive disorder. I have both conditions. My last question is I am having a tough time getting documentation when I was shot in an enemy bunker during desert storm. I have contacted the Marine that pulled me out of the bunker. He won't say anymore. Do you have any advice? I have a scar on my rib cage and a sacr on my scalp with grooves on top of my head. I feel I should rate the purple heart for this? I was treated in the field since it was not a life threatening injury but it scared the crap out of me. Thanks.

I also am curious if you can get separate ratings for bipolar and major depressive disorder.

-also-

My last question is I am having a tough time getting documentation when I was shot in an enemy bunker during desert storm. I have contacted the Marine that pulled me out of the bunker. He won't say anymore. Do you have any advice?

If bipolar and major depressive disorder are diagnosed as related to your active duty, they can be rated service connected. Why separate?

Regarding the injury/stressor you may need to order a copy of your service medical records, to determine how your injury was documented.

If your file is in BVA. I would wait until the decision is made before asking for records. Requests have a way of being lost when the file is checked out on other issues.